Page 70 of Her Dom's Secret Past

Chapter Twenty

Anabelle

Becky and I were having a quick coffee opposite the boutique. I was between appointments and she’d been shopping. It was good to relax for ten minutes.

“How’s everything going for the Expo? On target?”

“Yes, all the gowns are finished, the handouts are at the printers, ready to be picked up, and the models are hired. Charlie’s got the booth organized. I think we’re ready.”

“How’s John taking this? I mean, you moved in to the house in August and now have kind of moved out two months later?”

“He’s fine. He knew this was what was going to happen. I explained before I moved in that this week we work long hours and it was easier for me to only drive five minutes than thirty, and he agreed. Anyway, he’s come over to the salon a few times to help with stuff. He’s brought in lunch for us all twice and we talk on the phone each night. Once Sunday is over then I can move back.”

“Good thing you didn’t lease your apartment.”

“I know, but I’m thinking I’ll put it on the market soon.”

Becky reached across the table and took my hand. “I’m very happy for you. I can see how John lights up when he looks at you and you, you’re just crazy about him.”

“I am. I never thought I’d ever feel this way. It’s wonderful.”

I glanced across at the salon then did a double take.

“Becky, look over at my place. See that guy?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve seen him before. This morning.”

“Where?”

“Here. It’s like he’s walking up and down, watching the place.”

“Don’t be silly, he probably works around here.”

“Maybe.”

We finished our coffee and I kissed Becky goodbye.

“Hey, Belle, go up the road and I’ll see if he follows you.”

“Okay.”

I walked out of the coffee shop and proceeded up to the next corner and crossed the road. There was a bakery there, so I went inside and got a dozen and a half mini Danish pastries for the staff. Once I was served and came out, I walked back down to the salon and entered. After telling Miriam to let the others know about the cakes, I left them in the tea room and went to my office. About five minutes later, Becky rang.

“That was weird. He walked to the corner and watched you. Then he went into a shop, but when you walked past, he followed you again. I think you should ring the police.”

“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll see if he’s back tomorrow.”

“Well, be careful. Remember what happen with Ed.”

“As if I could forget. But this guy… Well, I’ve never seen him before. I don’t know.”

“Promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I promise.”

I didn’t see the guy for the rest of the day and actually forgot all about him. Today was Friday and the big bridal expo was on Sunday. Charlie and two of the girls were at the venue setting up. As well as having a large corner booth with a couple of gowns and fabrics on display, I had eight gowns in a mini fashion show. Somehow, John had volunteered to be in it as well. He and I had been talking and I told him about the girls walking—I had three bridesmaid gowns and five brides when he’d asked why I didn’t have a groom. When I told him it was expensive enough for the eight female models without male ones as well, he volunteered.